NASEF’s global network bolsters Ascend Esports' work to leverage esports and gaming interest for meaningful learning around career and life skills

(Mirdif, Dubai, UAE, March 31, 2025) – Esports are booming, and students in the UAE are excited to not just play the games, but to pursue related careers. To support this thirst for competition and education, Ascend Esports has just become an affiliate of NASEF, the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations. A global NGO, NASEF provides a framework and support for educators around the world as they build programs that connect students’ love of video games and esports to exploration of career pathways, simultaneously developing important personal “soft skills” that will help youth thrive in today’s workforce.

NASEF leverages massive student interest in team-based competitive video gaming, offering meaningful career and STEAM education alongside tournaments in top game titles. Students learn about possible career pathways, enter Beyond the Game creative and analytic challenges, manage clubs and events and fundraising, and compete in tournaments in popular titles including but not limited to Rocket League, Mario Kart, and Minecraft, to name a few.

"Our partnership with NASEF reflects our shared belief that esports should nurture the mind, body and spirit. By integrating health and wellness into gaming and education, we are shaping well-rounded individuals ready for tomorrow's digital and physical worlds," said Ashis Jami, Founder & CEO, Ascend Esports.

Ascend Esports' vision is to create and foster competitive esports programs through the lens of academics and learning in UAE middle schools and high schools by providing assistance, organizing tournaments, and presenting information to schools and advisers. NASEF is supporting similar organizations worldwide and freely shares its unique experience in developing global educational and career pathways. As a non-profit, NASEF focuses on youth impact, emphasizing cultivating talent in all students, particularly those in underserved populations. Through its partnerships, NASEF also helps students uncover pathways to college scholarships and careers in the gaming industry around the world.

“Research demonstrates the effectiveness of esports as a tool for meaningful STEAM and social-emotional learning,” said Gerald Solomon, founder and executive director of NASEF. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ascend Esports to the NASEF family, where educators will be able to learn best practices from scholastic esports programs around the world. We’re excited to support the Ascend Esports team and see the growth across the UAE in the coming years.”

Learn more at the NASEF website or the Ascend Esports website. Schools across the UAE are invited to join Ascend Esports and NASEF and tap into their events and resources; contact Ashis ([email protected]) or Pradeep ([email protected]). 

About Ascend Esports

Ascend Esports is the premier esports hub in Dubai, dedicated to fostering the next generation of competitive gamers. By combining state-of-the-art facilities with structured training programs, Ascend provides players of all levels with the tools to sharpen their skills, compete in high-stakes tournaments, and immerse themselves in a thriving gaming community.

As a leader in the regional esports landscape, Ascend Esports bridges the gap between casual gaming and competitive play, offering a dynamic space where aspiring athletes, content creators, and gaming enthusiasts can elevate their experience. With a focus on community building, talent development, and innovation, Ascend is shaping the future of esports in the UAE and beyond.

Find Ascend Esports at ascendesport.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

About NASEF

NASEF equips education, community and industry leaders to maximize the potential of scholastic esports. As a non-profit, NASEF supports leaders and youth to develop career and professional skills through a unique blend of play and learning. Using its research-backed approach, NASEF guides organizations around the world striving to make impacts through scholastic esports.

NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The International Esports Federation has entrusted NASEF with training and supporting its 130+ member federations as they undertake development of scholastic esports programs. Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on X/Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Media Contacts: Claire LaBeaux [email protected]

Tamara Freudenstein [email protected]